Host China has failed at the World Cup like the German team in the preliminary round. In the capital Beijing, the team lost to former NBA pro Yi Jianlian in the last preliminary round game against Venezuela 59:72 (23:33) and now has to fight in the placement round for a ticket to an Olympic qualifier. The German national team also plays for places 17 to 32.
Venezuela followed in Group A by beating the undefeated Poland with Mike Taylor, coach of Bundesliga starter Hamburg Towers, in the second group stage. China won in front of their own audience only the opening game against the Ivory Coast. For the first time since 2006, a host did not get beyond the preliminary round. At that time Japan had caught in the German group in Hiroshima early.
The title contenders Serbia and Spain celebrated their third wins and take the maximum score in the second round. The Serbs defeated Italy 92-77. NBA star Bogdan Bogdanovic was the best thrower with 31 points for the team of former Bayern coach Sasa Djordjevic.
Spain struggled for a long time against Iran but won 73-65. NBA center Marc Gasol came to 16 points. Puerto Rico drew with a 67-64 victory over Tunisia also in the second round.
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